Lucas Browne will use new opponent as target practice for Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder

LUCAS “BIG DADDY” BROWNE will now face giant American Julius “Towering Inferno” Long next Friday night (August 14) due to Icho Larenas pulling out as a result of legal problems.

Larenas was himself a replacement for Gonzalo Basile, but Hatton Promotions’ international matchmaker Philippe Fondu received word late on Thursday that it was unlikely that the Canadian former MMA star would be allowed to leave Argentina, where he is now based.

After working through the night, Fondu, Browne’s manager Matt Clark, and agent Juan Pablo Manfredi, managed to secure a deal with 7ft 1in Long, who is a very experienced pro and has fought a who’s who of the heavyweight division.

The fight will be a ten round non-title contest and is being televised live free to air across Australia on Channel 9.

Browne said: “It’s part of boxing and again, I’m used to it. I just worry about my performance and I’m happy my team has again secured an opponent. I can’t wait to put on a show.

“Much respect to Julius for taking the fight at such short notice, that’s the sign of a warrior. He’s a big man so it’ll be like I’m preparing for Wilder or Fury!”

Matt Clark added: “A huge thanks to Julius for taking the fight. He is a huge man who is very, very durable. He’s been a pleasure to deal with and he always puts up a great show.

“Replacing fighters at short notice is the hardest thing about boxing and the past 48 hours have been a nightmare. Thankfully the show is going on!

“A massive thanks to Ricky Hatton for his continued support and to Brian Amatruda for placing the fight on live television here in Australia.”